Just as Michael Atherton became known as FEC (Future England Captain) in his early years at Lancashire, Fabregas has carried the aura and appearance of a player who was destined for leadership long before his ultimate promotion.
“I always felt he had the qualities of a leader,” said Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager. “He has experience and the confidence of the rest of the team. When I played I was a captain. It's not especially linked with age. Most of the time the responsibilities make you grow, make you become more mature and you deal with the situation."
Wenger, though, is already keen to stress that the responsibility of leadership must not simply rest on the slight shoulders of his 21-year-old midfielder. "I don't believe in one man who sorts out all the problems in the dressing room," he said. "He will be one of the leaders in the team. We have to share that leadership."
There is, however, little doubt that Fabregas will relish the chance to follow in the footsteps of men such as Tony Adams, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry. After the recent match against Stoke he outlined his desire to captain Arsenal, and on Monday he said: "It is a great honour for me to captain one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"I know it's a big responsibility but together with my team-mates, I know we have the spirit and commitment to get back to winning ways and fulfil our potential."
For Wenger, it is a calculated gamble. He may have some concerns about placing too much pressure on one player, but knows that he must find a personality with the ability to unite the squad.
At a club who have largely built their reputation on stability, diplomacy and a tendency to deal with problems behind closed doors, Fabregas will also be regarded by the majority of supporters as a more suitable figurehead than William Gallas.
Wenger will also hope that captaincy can bring out the best in Fabregas, the footballer. After helping Spain to win the European Championship and being so influential for Arsenal last season, there has been a sense that his form has dipped during this campaign.
Fabregas is certainly confident that his performances will be lifted. In August, after a 3-1 win against Stuttgart in a friendly, he said: "I've shown that I can take that responsibility and if I was made captain, I'd give even more. I don't know where I'd get that little extra from, but I'd try to find it."
Wenger's decision to raise Fabregas' status at Arsenal will also be perceived as an attempt to ensure that he is not tempted by interest from Spanish clubs.
The entire Arsenal project rests on the vast majority of his young squad deciding to remain together and the departure of Fabregas – particularly if the club failed to quality for the Champions League – could have a devastating impact.
While there have been suspicions regarding Gallas' status in the dressing-room, few would also doubt the esteem in which Fabregas is held. "His performance over the last couple of years has been fantastic," defender Gael Clichy said. "It's a good choice from the boss and all the players will give him all the support he needs.
"When he started playing, people said Cesc was too young to have the responsibility in the team. But he's shown he's a key player in the squad and fully deserves this honour from the boss. It's all about togetherness.
"The only thing Cesc has to do is play his best football. I think Tony Adams was given the armband at 19. Now he's one of the greatest for all the fans. I hope Cesc will do the same."(telegraph)
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